Stokes seals thrilling victory for England
BEN Stokes took the last two Bangladesh wickets in three balls as England won a thrilling first test by 22 runs in Chittagong yesterday, narrowly depriving their hosts of a historic victory.
Bangladesh, needing 33 runs for what would have been their first win over England in nine attempts, added just 10 runs to their overnight total and were all out for 263 after 20 minutes of play on the fifth and final day at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium.
Sabbir Rahman, the overnight half-centurion, was left stranded on 64 as the allrounder Stokes dismissed the other two batsmen in his second over.
Stokes had Taijul Islam lbw for 16 following a successful review, after umpire Kumar Dharmasena initially turned down a muted appeal.
Two balls later it was the turn for Bangladesh to ask for a review as Dharamsena declared the No 11 batsman Shafiul Islam out lbw for a duck.
The replay again came to England’s aid as Hawk-Eye indicated that the ball was hitting off stump, meaning the umpire’s initial decision stood.
England captain Alastair Cook, who had flown back to Bangladesh only days after attending the birth of his daughter back home, said that both sides had played their part in a thrilling match.
“It was a really good test match, to think we were here on day five with that wicket,” Cook said after the game.
“It was such a tight game, so credit to both sides. I’m glad we held our nerve, the quality we have in our attack, we got it reversing.”
Despite coming agonisingly close to what would have been their most famous test victory, Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim said he was proud of his team’s performance.
“Probably it was not in our favour, 33 runs and two wickets, but the boys put in so much effort over the last five day. After 15 months, I’m really proud,” Rahim said.
“Our boys fought it out which is really impressive and hopefully we’ll do the same in the next match.”
The tight match showcased how Bangladesh have made steady progress in recent years. – AFP